Friday, April 17, 2015

2015 NFL 2 Round MOCK DRAFT With Trades & Player Comparisons- 4/17/15

With the NFL combine now over teams are fully bearing down and doing there due diligence on the the prospects. Team needs after the initial flurry of free agency,  pro days, the combine medicals rechecks, and other variables will see players' stock rise and fall in the long months until the actual draft takes place. After the bowl games a lot of players who would have been top 50 picks decided to go back to school, and this draft doesn't look anywhere near as good as the 2014 draft was at the top, but there is decent of depth in rounds 2 and 3. NFL Player comparisons have been added .So below each player is the NFL player we feel they will most resemble in their prime if they are a hit.The comparison is for on the field play only and the higher the are ranked the more likely we think they will reach that comparison. If you don't know who the player is I am comparing them to feel free to run a search, and I may change the comp if I think of someone better later.This is a mock draft of who I think teams will take. Not who I think they should. Questions and comments are always welcome , even if you disagree. However, if you do disagree please tell me why ,and what you would do instead. 




# Is for a player with with reported character or maturity concerns

**  Is for a player with reported injury concerns






1.TAMPA BAY - #JAMEIS WINSTON - QB - FLORIDA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - BEN ROETHLISBERGER - PITTSBURGH
The bucs went back to Josh McCown as their starter late in the season. That is a clear sign they don't see Mike Glennon as their QB of the future. With Winston being a Florida guy, I could see there being plenty of pressure to take him, as long as he he has no more off the field incidents leading up to the draft.  Lovie Smith is a players' coach who probably thinks he can reach and motivate Jameis. The bucs wisely hired Dirk Koetter to groom the QB they choose. The choice is kind of genius because it really tells us nothing about which QB they currently prefer, and allows them to take their time in evaluating both before they make their choice. Koetter just tutored a classic pocket passer in Matt Ryan, but he also put plenty of shotgun & spread plays in that offense. So you know he can tutor either. Also,lets not forget that Mariota's current head coach Mark Helrich has coached under Koetter multiple times. So it's stands to reason he could also help develop Marcus and design a spread pro-set hybrid offense to help Marcus succeed early. While I would take the safer Mariota, instead of gambling the #1 overall pick on Winstons character & maturity, I understand why they would take Jameis.  Besides the fact that the pressure to take a homegrown winner like Winston could influence ownership into taking the troubled but talented Jameis , over the less polished passer in Mariota, .if Jameis was clean off the field he would be the runaway overall # 1 pick. He's as tough as nails , a proven winner, has a high football IQ, already makes pro style reads quickly, and has all the tools. Most importantly he makes great NFL throws with the rush bearing down on him. That's about as reliable an indicator of future success as you can get in a on the field evaluation, and you don't find much of it in Mariota's tape.. With Koetter under contract they will probably succeed either way, and if the defense doesn't improve and they fire Smith ,they have a potential head coach in waiting in house. 






2.TENNESEE - LEONARD WILLIAMS - DT/DE-USC
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - KEVIN WILLIAMS - SEATTLE
Despite his obvious talent, Zach Mettenburger's knee & back woes, and some off the field troubles made him free fall to the 6th round. They gave Zach a shot to see if he is the future, but he got hurt before he could really make a case to be their long term answer at QB. They may still  auction off this pick , but for the sake of this mock they will be staying with Zach and taking the safest player in this draft. Williams is an elite talent, with great tools, and a good motor.. Leonard is a prototype 3-4 end , he can kick inside when they go to nickle,and can generate a pass rush from anywhere. Pairing him with fellow former Trojan Jurrell Casey could give them a pair to rival Wilkerson & Richardson of the jets. 







***TRADE*** CLEVELAND trades their first round pick (#12)in this draft  and the first round pick in this draft they got from BUFFALO (#19) and their 4th round pick in this draft. for the JAGUARS first round pick(#3) in this draft***






3.CLEVELAND - (jacksonville) - MARCUS MARIOTA - QB - OREGON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RYAN TANNEHILL - MIAMI
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has been as bad as Al Davis, Daniel Snyder Woody Johnson, and Jerry Jones at heir worst combined. He hired good football people to run the team, and when they told him to draft Teddy Bridgewater instead of Johhny Manzel he fired them and ate their contracts. Then he put yes men in place and ,drafted Manziel. At least one of those yes men was supposedly interfering in play calling, and preceded to lead the team down the drain. What they need after the Johnny Football Rehab disaster is to try to flip him to Philly or anyone else that will give them a 3rd or 4th rounder. Then don't even think about Josh Gordon for a year, and go get a new team leader that can be counted on. Mariota is as clean as Bridgeweater was off the field, has a higher upside, is a dedicated worker, and just a way better all around prospect than Manziel as a QB. With probable incoming QB Kevin O'connell coach having already worked with Mario in the pre-draft process, this is a match made in heaven. All Haslam needs to do after that is realize he's NOT a football guy , hire good people to run the team, and stay out of their way.





4.OAKLAND KEVIN WHITE - WR - W. VIRGINIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - ANDRE JOHNSON - HOUSTON
The Raiders might have ruined what could have been a franchise altering trade by beating San Francisco. Any chance of auctioning off the #1 overall pick to the highest bidder and quickly restocking the franchise is probably gone, unless of course one of the top 3 players falls here, but right now I doubt that happens . At least they still ended up with a high enough pick to get a premium player. With New QB Derek Carr exceeding expectations a play-maker on offense to help him out will be appreciated. Last year Carr was throwing to James Jones and group of journeymen and unproven young guys, He needs a # 1 receiver. After lighting up the combine I believe White has separated himself from Cooper and Parker as the top receiver in this draft. He's big, strong, fast, has great hands, can run after the catch, and even when he's covered he's still probably open if you throw it high enough. 







5.WASHINGTON - VICTOR BEASLEY - OLB/DE - CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - VON MILLER - DENVER
If Brian Orapko could stay healthy all year, the Skins would probably have payed him, but after another injury plauged year he is now the Titans problem gto worry about . If RG3 returns to form this offense could be dangerous, and they appear to be bringing him back for 2015, but with Jay Gruden running the show I doubt he will be successful. If Gruden had his druthers I have no doubt hey would go after Mariota, but I doubt the owner lets them. Plus their new GM Scott Mcglouhan smartly wants to build through the draft, wants to hang onto his draft picks , and is probably looking to trade back and get more picks even if Marcus fell to them. Also, I'll believe in this defense only after I see them produce, and that;s probably where he plans to go in the draft. Their secondary is the main question right now, but nothing makes a secondary better quickly than a good pass rush, and there is no secondary player worth this high of a pick. Beasley has been a highly productive pass rusher two years running ,and he has the agility to also drop into coverage when needed .He can also play the SLB when they go to nickle ala Von Miller. After showing up bigger, stronger, and lighting up the combine I expect he goes in the top 10. Putting  a speed rusher like him opposite a power player like Ryan Kerrigan would give this defense a new look. 







6.JETS- DANTE FOWLER - DE - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ANTHONY SPENCER - DALLAS
In a 2 day span the jets brought back Revis & Cromartie. They even added young safety Marcus Gilchrist and Buster Skrine in the slot.It's now safe to say that they won't be reaching for a DB here. The Jets might want a QB, but Geno Smith did show some progress. However, even if they want a new QB, Mariota and Winston are the only two QB's that should end up top 6 picks, and i doubt either falls here. There number one need is corner, but there also aren't any corners worth this high a pick. Both Calvin Pace and Jason Babin will be 35 next season and the jets need a young OLB to pair with Quinton Coples in their 3-4. Fowler is one of the safest players in this draft. His motor , durability,  size, and versatility make him a fit for any scheme.  I think Todd Bowles is the kind of coach to get the most out of his players , regardless of scheme and that Fowler will love his aggressive new coach.





7.CHICAGO AMARI COOPER - WR - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RODDIE WHITE - ATLANTA
New head coach Jon Fox was hired to fix the defense and improving the pass rush is usually how he starts. With Jared Allen turning 33 next season , and Lamarr Houston a better fit inside in my opinion, ,a young  edge rusher to pair with Willie Young could really help.However, since he is bringing in a 3-4 , and signed Pernell Mcfee on a big money deal to man that spot, the bears can turn to other needs with their first round pick. Trading mercurial 34 year old Brandon left a hole in the bears receiving core. Cooper is very different receiver than Alshon Jeffery and that's a good thing. While Amari can separate ,make some spectacular catches,  and track it over shoulder with best of them,  he has his flaws.Namely that he drops too many easy passes , but at;least its usually on early downs, instead of when it matters most.He also isn't someone you can just throw it up for and expect him too come down with it, but few corners can stay with him deep anyway. All 3 questions I had about him physically were answered when he measured & weighed in at 6 foot one & 211 pounds at the combine, and ran a 4.42 forty. He may go as high as #4 to the raiders, but I doubt he falls any farther than #11. 






8.ATLANTA - SHANE RAY - OLB/DE - MISSOURI
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON -JERRY HUGHES - BUFFALO
Atlanta just had a rebuilding year, and any hope of it being a quick turnaround probably ended when both Sean Weatherspoon and Sam Baker went down for the year. Despite it being the second largest need on their team, the Falcons waited until the 4th round to draft an edge rusher. Adding Jake Matthews and Jon Asamoah to their O-line was an improvement, despite the loss of Baker, but a replacement OT for him and his cap number is also a possibility. Ray would be a 3-4 rush backer on this team, and inject some much needed speed into the Flacon pass rush. Ray didn't get as much spotlight as the steady Kony Ealy or media creation Michael Sam in 2013. He did however make a lot of plays as an edge rusher. Now that he has had a chance to shine in the spotlight he has been a far better player than either, and he has a relentless motor. He is fast off the ball, closes really well, although I'm still unsure if his best position in the pro's long term is as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 rush backer, but he needs to bulk up some to play the former. What I do know for sure is that he has a great first step, violent hands, and that he can rush the passer.Ray had an injury that prevented him from working out at the combine, and his pro day numbers weren't as impressive as the top edge rushers in this draft. That injury is the only reason he falls this far in this scenario. Personally I think he is the best edge rusher in the draft right now.




9.NYG-BRANDON SCHERFF - OT/OG - IOWA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON -  MARSHALL YANDA- BALTIMORE
While LT William Beatty returned to form in 2014 second year right tackle Justin Pugh was up and down again, and some feel he would be a better fit inside at guard. Add that last years second round pick Weston Richburg also played out of position at guard , instead of center , and you can see a way to improve 3 positions with one draft pick. . With Scherff at right tackle , added with the other 2 position moves I mentioned , the giants O-line could go from a weakness to a strength in one off season. Early on Scherff was slowed by an injury he came back from too quickly, but the attitude he plays with could help this entire team step forward. The top 3 pre-season OT's all had their miscues this season, but Scherff was the only one with a legit reason to explain it. Plus, he  improved as he has got healthier. Scherff is the safest of them all, and he has the best technique. While I don't like him as a left tackle, I love him as a right tackle or guard. At the very least he will be a long term starter somewhere in front of Eli. A mauler like him has the kind of attitude that can infect an entire O-line.






10.RAMS-LA'EL COLLINS-T/G-LSU
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TRENT WILLIAMS - WASHINGTON
Swapping Bradford for Foles gives the rams a better chance of having a healthy QB this season, especially with Foles no longer being exposed to the occasional read option play, and a lot less spread formations which lack extra pass protectors. Now they have to protect their new QB by investing in their O-line again. With Jake Long coming off another injury and being cut ,right tackle Joe Barksdale a free agent , and 2014 #2 overall pick Greg Robinson not playing well at left tackle last year , the Rams could possibly need 2 new offensive tackles. While its way to early to give up on Robinson as a tackle and kick him inside, a player who has a lot positional flexibility would really help. Collins can play either tackle or guard spot allowing the rams to mix and match what they need. With Collins and Roger Saffold both being so flexible they could lose both tackles and still field a solid starting 5 up front, while taking the pressure off Robinson to immediately be the franchise left tackle his talent leads us to believe he is.





11.MINNESOTA - **TRAE WAYNES - CB - MICHIGAN ST
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ANTONIO CROMARTIE - JETS
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer loves corners, and while the DC in Cincinnati he was always bringing in new guys to upgrade the position. Waynes played press corner at a high level in a good conference.He does need to get stronger ,play with a little more discipline, and learn to either grab less, or at least do it less blatantly. I am sure Zim and his coaches can teach Trae how to properly cheat. Waynes has a high floor, and that's why I compared him to the underrated Chris Gamble, but he could be even greater in time. Waynes lit up the combine, and that will probably clinch his spot as the first corner taken.




12.JAGUARS - (cleveland) -  BALTIMORE -  BUD DUPREE - DE/OLB - KENTUCKY
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JUSTIN HOUSTON - KANSAS CITY
Signing Jermey Parnell to play right tackle means they are probably committing to Luke Joeckel to play left tackle for another year.  However, the jags can still get a high level talent at a position of need. Dupree surprised me when I looked at his tape. Very few guys with his frame can cover as much ground as he does, and with some refinement in his pass rush & stack shed techniques , he can be an elite player. If he is allowed to just rush the passer with less coverage responsibilities , and learn to play with more violence, I  believe he can be an elite player early in his career. After a great combine I expect more people to join me in ranking him higher, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was gone before this, because his upside is so high. 





13.SAINTS DEVANTE PARKER - WR - LOUISVILLE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DEZ BRYANT - DALLAS
After trading away both Jimmy Graham & Kenny Stills the saints are in need of some help in their receiving core. Add that Marqonues Colston will be 32 this season, has slowed some , and it spells out a need to give Drew Brees some new weapons. This is a fierce receiver Drew can just depend on to come down with the ball even when he's covered, and he could team with Brandin Cooks for a decade.





14.MIAMI - KEVIN JOHNSON - CB - WAKE FOREST
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TRAMON WILLIAMS - GB
With the Dolphins already having trouble stopping the run , Randy Starks turning 32 & becoming a free agent after this season, the news that they will be pursuing Ndamukong Suh made a ton of sense. They already cut Brian Hartline and Cortland Finnegan to clear cap space, and traded Mike Wallace and his hefty contract.They landed Suh , and that makes corner their biggest need where they can get a player worth this pick.  Johnson is a tall, lean, fluid, explosive,  polished corner who plays much bigger than his frame would lead you to believe.  I was very disappointed when he skipped the senior bowl, and felt justified in dropping him for awhile, but after his showing at the combine he needs to moved back up. He plays the game with a chip on his shoulder, and his lean frame is misleading based on the physical way he plays the game He showed up bigger at the combine and still looked fluid in drills.One of the safer corners in this draft because he has a high floor ,and can play in any scheme.





15.SAN FRANCISCO - MALCOM BROWN - DT - TEXAS
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - SHARIFF FLOYD - MINNESOTA
With Ray McDonald being cut after a domestic violence accusation, Justin Smith turning 36 next season & contemplating retirement, and Tank Carradine & Tony Jerod-Eddie not developing as quickly as needed the niners need a new 5 technique. Signing Darnell Dockett might help some, but my bet is he just empty's the tank against his former team, as he seems the vindictive type. However , for the last couple seasons his play has declined, and he is coming off a lost season due to a ACL tear. Brown has the skills to play all over their front and help improve both the run and pass defense. He's one of those players that the more of his tape I watched , the more I liked him.





16.HOUSTON ARIK ARMSTEAD - DE - OREGON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CALAIS CAMPBELL - ARIZONA
With the news that Jadaveon Clowney has had micro-fracture knee surgery the Texans are still in need of another rusher to take advantage of the near constant double & triple teams that the incomparable JJ Watt draws. "IF" Clowney is ever the same explosive talent he once was. It will be at least a year until he could even possibly be a every-down player, and probably two until he is all the way back. A five technique that could beat one on one blocking could really shake things up, and help Watt be even better, as insane as that sounds.  Armstead has elite measurables and tools ,but he needs to be set free from a 2 gap scheme where his main job is occupying blocks, and show a more consistent motor. DC Romeo Crennel does a fair amount of 2 gapping ,but he also allows more attacking than the Oregon scheme . Also, if you have a  kid this talented exposing him to Watt's mentoring &work ethic can only make him better. In addition , trying to find open passing lanes between the long arms of Watt and Armstead would be a massive chore for any opposing QB's.




17.CHARGERS - DANNY SHELTON - DT - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - VINCE WILFORK - HOUSTON
Lissemore's best role is as rotational 5 technique, and the Chargers need a true 3-4 nose tackle. The massive Shelton continued to impress at the Senior bowl after a dominating season, and he is a one man run stopping force in the middle. His quickness and ability to cover ground along the line of scrimmage for such a massive man is rare, although he needs more pass rush moves in the long term. Despite people calling him a top 10 pick I would hesitate to take anyone with his extra body fat that high without a weight clause. He was happy to have made it down to a jiggly 343 at the Senior bowl , and while he still played great , carrying all that unnecessary extra weight is likely to catch up with him eventually. Add that San Diego has a large Polynesian population to make Shelton feel at home, and this is great value & perfect fit for both player and team.


18.KANSAS CITY - TJ CLEMMINGS - OT - PITTSBURGH
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON PETERS - PHILADELPHIA
With the resigning of Ron Parker and the addition of Tyvon Branch safety is now a lesser need, but with Tyvon's injury history ,and low risk contract ,  I doubt the chiefs are counting on him too much. They can address that need later though. However , veteran left guard Mike McGlynn did not play well last year, and is a free agent this off season. Bringing in veteran Ben Grubbs can help, but he is past his prime, and is only a short term fix at best. Clemmings is a muscular, fit ,long armed, agile athlete for an offensive tackle. Usually you find a player with his tools on the left side, but TJ is a converted DE who moved to right tackle 2 seasons ago, and he is still learning ,so a transition to the left side could take awhile. He can play guard now until he learns more technique, but in 3 years he just might be the be the best  tackle to come out of this draft. Or if journeyman right tackle Ryan Harris isn't resigned, or another right tackle isn't signed, you can start Clemmings out at the position he is already ,more comfortable with. Personally I would prefer to start him off inside while he polishes his technique, but in this run heavy offense, with a QB that refuses to throw down field much, TJ might be just fine as a rookie.






19.JACKSONVILLE- ( buffalo, cleveland) - CAMERON ERVING - C/T - FLORIDA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MAX UNGER - SEATTLE
The jags O-line is a little better with Jermey Parnell coming in at right tackle, but even if Luke Joeckel starts to live up to his potential at left tackle, the Jags could use an upgrade over Luke Bowanko at the center position last season.  Erving is the best pure center in this draft. Cameron looked like a possible first rounder as a left tackle coming into this season, but his play had slipped some , and he needs to be taught from scratch how to set up on the left side if he is gong to stay there. However, he was great since a move to center, and I believe he can play all five O-line positions with the proper coaching . That makes him worth his weight in gold. Right now though they need a center and he is already the best one in this draft with the potential to get a lot better. Also, if Joeckel bombs again( or gets hurt )Erving could be a decent short term solution to the their left tackle problem.






20.EAGLES - **BYRON JONES - CB/S - U. CONNECTICUT 
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - XAVIER RHODES - MINNESOTA
Kelly likes versatile tall guys with long arms on defense, and that describes Jones.   Neither Bradley Fletcher or Cary Williams has become the # 1 corner that matches up with an opposing teams top receiver , and can be expected to man him up with success.  Jones could be that guy. I had been thinking that the large ,but inconsistent Jalen Collins would be the pick here. However ,after the combine it's perfectly clear who the freakiest athlete really is. Jones is the perfect physical specimen for a corner with the makeup speed to match his large frame, the flexibility to also play safety if needed, and the ability to leap out of the building. While either player is a bit of a reach here, it is a scheme fit, and Jones has the highest upside of all the DB's in the draft. He would take Nate Allen's place at free safety here . Plus it would be nice to have a DB who can actually jump higher than Dez Bryant, and run with Odell Beckham JR.   






21.BENGALS ANDRUS PEAT - OT - STANFORD
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ANTHONY COSTANZO - INDIANAPOLIS 
Right tackle Andre Smith is inconsistent, out of shape, overpaid, and injury prone. Just getting in good shape could probably fix the other 3 problems , but he has already been paid well twice already , and he has never seemed like the self motivating type to me. Peat is a good athlete for an OT, but his stock fell a little this season , as he lacked aggression and a consistent hand punch in pass protection. There are games where he was great on the outside, and I am confident a NFL O-Line coach will be able to get this Stanford grad to fix his flaws.He is plenty aggressive in the run game , so you know he has the right mentality in him, and he could easily be gone by this pick based on his upside alone. Either way I would feel more comfortable with him at guard,  or right tackle as a rookie. Peat could be an upgrade here at right tackle, and if his technique improves he could be the long term replacement for Andrew Whitworth on the blind side, after the perennial stalwart finally slows down.




22.PITTSBURGH - ELI HAROLD - OLB/DE - VIRGINIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JOHN ABRAHAM - retired
The Steelers are in a transition phase going from past their prime veterans to a younger crowd. However, I doubt they were expecting 27 year old free agent OLB Jason Worilds to retire. Since their was a chance they could lose him to another team , it's a safe bet the Steelers have been doing their homework on edge rushers.Harold is an excellent athlete and much stronger than his somewhat lean looking frame would lead you to believe. Sets the edge well and has a strong bull rush. He has active hands but lacks a diverse polished pass rushing repertoire. Great motor against the run or pass. Has experience both as stand-up rush backer, 4-3 DE, and even moves inside on some obvious passing downs. Has a better get off with his hand on the ground, and with his inside moves he regularly shoots gaps & occasionally even splits double teams. However, he was rarely double teamed as a pass rusher thanks to Max Valles on the other side, and I would like to see  how he reacts to more double teams. I believe Pittsburgh will know how to use him, and the resigning of James Harrison can give Harold a hard nosed veteran to set the example he needs to reach his potential. 







23.LIONS - ** DJ HUMPHRIES - OT - FLORIDA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON- WILLIAM BEATTY - GIANTS
With Reilly Reiff not quite working out at left tackle, and being a better fit on the inside,  a new left tackle is needed to cover Matt Stafford's blind side. Humphries is a fluid athlete with left tackle feet, and after adding weight before the combine, as he reportedly played at only 285 last season & looked like it,  he is rising up draft boards. His injury history worries me enough that I wouldn't take him in the first round, but he is also one of only 2 OT prospects in this draft(La'el Collins is the other one) I believe can pass block on the blindside in the NFL as a rookie, but it's still just a projection , and he won't be a big help in the run game yet. Maybe the added weight will help him get some movement at the line in the run game as well. In addition moving Reiff to guard could help improve 2 positions at once.





24.ARIZONA - **TODD GURLEY - RB - GEORGIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - STEVEN JACKSON - ATLANTA
The cards have drafted or signed plenty of RB's recently, and between Stepfan taylor, Marion Grice, Jonathan Dwyer, Kerwynn Williams, Marion Grice, and Andre Ellington, only Ellington has done much. However, he is injury prone, and would be a better fit in a tandem role. Gurley is a special talent that would energize the Cardinal fan base once he is healthy, and let Bruce Arians confidently run the ball more.. The buzz on Gurley has been growing lately ,despite his knee injury, and more teams wanting to make sure they actually get a first round value with their 1rst round pick are considering him.However, they still have to worry about RB needy teams like Dallas, Indy, Baltimore and the Patriots trading up ahead of them. With Gurley in tow they would also take a lot of pressure off Carson Palmer long term.





25.CAROLINA - ** JAKE FISHER - OT - OREGON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - LANE JOHNSON - PHILADELPHIA
Jordan Gross retiring last season caught the Panthers by surprise, and they didn't do much to remedy it in the 2014 draft. Their plan to move Byron Bell to the left side smacked of desperation to me,  he did not play well, and is now a free agent they aren't rushing to re-sign. Their other option was converted former TE /DT Nate Chandler. He is a great athlete , but they are counting on him to make a Jason Peters-like jump up this year.  Maybe they are right and both are undiscovered studs down the road, but that seems like two huge gambles to base the health of your franchise QB on. Even a physical specimen like Newton can only take so many hits and I was surprised he survived the regular season without a major injury, although he did suffer a fractured rib in the pre-season. At least they made a concerted effort to get him a better(or at least  more reliable and supportive) receiving core, but at this point a healthy Steve Smith is still better than anyone they now have. , and being from the Charlotte area can't hurt. I Don't put much stock in the Michael Oher signing as a left tackle. Oher has had his spurts of good play at either tackle spot, but he has also had a lot of bad snaps on the outside. I have always thought that he would make a good guard, but don't trust him in pass pro as a tackle. Their is a reason that the Ravens didn't resign him, and a reason the Titans cut him after only one year .and ate all the dead money on their cap. Fisher has good feet and a solid kick slide to stay in front of his man in pass pro, but technique is inconsistent, and it looks like he gets by on his athletic ability a little too much. He would still be a significant upgrade as a pass blocker in this offense, and when you have a franchise QB protecting him should be your top priority.You can bet your ass that Newton would be happy to know Fisher was on his blind side, instead of Oher or Chandler.


  



26.RAVENS - MELVIN GORDON - RB - WISCONSIN
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JAMAL CHARLES - KC
Ozzie Newsome is the best GM in the NFL, and he will probably trade (up or down) out of this pick to make sure he gets value for it. Unless a guy with a definite first round grade on the field like Gurley or Gordon falls here. Since the Ravens already have plenty of picks I believe they will either go up ,or take one of the talented players who fall due to injury , positional devaluing, or character concerns here. Gordon is is a big name & home run hitter that could help energize the raider fan base. Despite rushing for 2587 yards on 343 carries last year, he was durable & explosive throughout. Plus that was the only season where he got a lot of use, and he destroyed Auburn with 251 yards on 34 carries in his final college game in the outback bowl.Since they cut Bernard Pierce another RB is definitely needed. However, they still have Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro to help share the load while he learns the offense.






27.DALLAS-LANDON COLLINS - S - ALABAMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RODNEY HARRISON - retired
They SHOULD draft a safety that can tackle and cover, but they have continually ignored the position at the top of the draft. At least Jason Garret has persuaded the Jones family to invest in the O-line, and Dallas has the best offensive line in the league right now. Resigning right tackle Doug Free solidifies the group for a while. Last time they paid Free well his play fell off, and he was hurt twice this season, so drafting a developmental swing tackle later should be a priority. However, although Free is probably only the 4th best player on this line his veteran leadership is important to the young group. Dallas has a bad cap situation and they also just recently overpaid to keep slot guy Cole Beasley , which makes no sense based on his lack of use, inability to return kicks, block, or do pretty much anything else besides play the slot. A corner might be the best value when they draft , or a upgrade for left guard  Ron Leary, whose problems in pass protection stood out on this line.  So keep that in mind if they again draft a tackle and kick him inside based on the best player available theory.However, in this scenario the boys not only finally draft a safety, but also help their line-backing core. Collins is a versatile , big,  physical in the box safety that is needed in this run heavy division. He can  move to linebacker when they go to their nickle, while Sean Lee can kick back inside . Personally I think they need a  cover safety more , as both Barry Church & JJ Wilcox are better players in the box. I would take Eric Rowe here, but Garrett's ties to Nick Saban might sell them on Collins over him. 



28.DENVER - ERECK FLOWERS - T/G - MIAMI
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ERIK WILLIAMS - retired
After getting quickly knocked out of the playoffs John Elway decided a change needed to be made at head coach and brought in Gary Kubiak. His main jobs were to convince Peyton Manning to return & to keep him healthy. They got Peyton to come back and he even gave the broncos some cap relief. With both Demaryius Thomas & Julius Thomas being free agents , and only being able to put the franchise tag on one of them, Demaryius was the choice to tag  Julius left for the money in Jacksonville, but re-signing Virgil Green and bringing in Owen Daniels probably means the broncos won't be spending a high pick on a TE in this draft. A previously undisclosed leg injury explains Peyton's poor play in the final quarter of the season, but the fragile soon to be 39 year old is probably going to need a new a new interior lineman after the Chargers signed Orlando Franklin out from under him. Flowers plays with a maulers attitude, but he still needs to get stronger and hsi technique is horrible,but he still somehow gets the job done most of the time. On tape I would rate him as second rounder that would fit better at guard , or maybe right tackle with some technique refinements, although I don't think he had the strength to move DT's off the line of scrimmage regularly then. He showed up in better shape and stronger at the combine , so at least he is making progress already.






29.COLTS - #**RANDY GREGORY - DE/OLB - NEBRASKA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON TAYLOR - retired
34 year old Robert Mathis is the Colts best edge rusher, but he is coming off a season lost to an Achilles injury, so it's unclear if he will be the same player post injury. In fact 2012 5th rounder Jonathan Newsome was their pass rusher per snap last season. Those desperate circumstances are why they are my choice to take a chance on the riskiest questionable character player who is likely to go in the first round , and yes I'm including DGB & Marcus Peters. Gregory has an ideal frame with long arms, and he is agile enough to rush off the edge in a 3-4 or 4-3. Right now he is a better fit in a 3-4 as a rush backer IMO, and playing there will take advantage of both his pass rush ability ,and his fluidity to drop into coverage. Once that frame is filled out with another 20 to 30 pounds of muscle, he can be even better, and play as a full time 4-3 end if needed. His medicals at the combine were more crucial with him than anyone with a chance to go in the top 10. With his history of multiple injuries , Dion Jordan-like build, and lean frame  I wouldn't have taken him in the top 10, but I thought he would go in top 5. My fears about his size were confirmed when he showed up at only 235 pounds at the combine. Then he announced this week that he tested positive for weed at the combine, which shows he's an idiot as well, and that football is less important to him than smoking weed. You don't test positive for weed at the combine, unless your dumb, delusional, or have  a habitual smoking problem. Despite all the red flags Gregory still has the highest upside of all the edge rushers in this draft, and while I wouldn't take him in the entire first round now because of his character questions,  I still think he goes somewhere in the latter part of round one .




30.GREEN BAY **EDDIE GOLDMAN - DT - FLORIDA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MARCEL DAREUS - BUFFALO
The most important thing that Green Bay needs to do at all times is protect Aaron Rodgers. The Pack got injury prone free agent right tackle Bryan Bulaga to come back at a discounted price, ensuring continuity on along the O-line.right tackle. this allows them to address other needs. I am not a big believer in the long term health of perennially out of shape BJ Raji returning to form. I also think Letroy Guion would be a better fit as a backup nose tackle.  Goldman has the power to take on double teams , the quickness and athletic ability to rush the passer and even play the 5 technique. Drafting him would give them more options up front to get the most out inside guys in odd or even fronts. The only reason he isn't a surefire first rounder in this draft is that he didn't work out the combine, and there haven't been any public reports yet proclaiming him fully healed from an ankle injury,.Although he played pretty well with it in both post season games. 






31.SAINTS - ERIC KENDRICKS - LB - UCLA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - JON BEASON - NYG
Rob Ryan's defense is intricate with a lot of moving parts. It requires a high IQ middle LB that can not only play sideline to sideline, but also excel in coverage. Kendricks was a highly productive team leader at UCLA. He is a definite first rounder on my board, and while some teams are worried about his lack of size, this would be a definite steal IMO. If they put him next to a thumper that can take on blocks when they are in a odd front he will rack up the tackles. 





32.PATRIOTS #MARCUS PETERS - CB - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TY LAW-retired
The most likely outcome for the patriots is a trade down, but if they are stuck my guess is they will go for either a  corner, wide receiver, O-lineman , or edge rusher. Unless they take Dorial Green-Beckham and all his baggage here I don't see them taking a receiver. The patriots first and foremost priority should always to be to protect Tom Brady, but they have failed in their duty for the most part this year, especially on the inside. Not one guard on their team has done a good job of keeping the pressure out of Brady's face. However, they a have a better chance of getting a good guard later in the draft than they do of getting a cover corner.With the loss of both Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner , corner becomes their number one need.  On tape Peters was the best press corner in this years draft , but being kicked off the team on Washington opened up a whole new line of questioning. The Patriots have the kind of veteran leadership & organizational structure to draft a player with his anger management questions, and provide Marcus with the kind of support he needs to have a good chance of success as a pro. Also, Belichick is known for taking chances in the draft on players with character or injury issues. 






33.TENNESEE - JALEN COLLINS-CB/S - LSU
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - JIMMY SMITH - BALTIMORE
Blidi Wreh-Wilson hasn't developed as well as the Titans hoped he would. Adding Perish Cox might help some , but what he Titans lack is a big press man corner . With Dick LeBeau coming to town one will definitely be needed .Collins is a big fast physical specimen, and despite being raw & inexperienced he did a good job on Amari Cooper last season.  He recently had foot surgery , but should be ready training camp. Still he could drop a little,  because until he is re-checked at  the combine and cleared ,teams don't know for sure.






34.TAMPA BAY - **CEDRICK OGBUEHI - OT - TEXAS A&Mamp;M
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - TYRON SMITH - DALLAS
The bucs cut let tackle Anthony Collins one year after paying him, and haven't replaced him as of yet. With Winston coming in as he new franchise QB they need to worry about protecting his blindside long term.  Cedrick is a talented player with an enormous upside, who would be a definite first round pick in this draft if not for a knee injury suffered in his bowl game. Since Tampa is rebuilding they can sign a stop gap left tackle, and  wait for him to heal up before he takes over at left tackle long term. He should be back by mid season at the latest. He is the last of the possible left tackles likely to go in the first 2 rounds. 






35.OAKLAND -  **TEVIN COLEMAN-RB-IND
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ( A faster) - DEMARCO MURRAY-PHILADELPHIA
Despite a lot of cap space , and a willingness to throw money around the Raiders have mostly struck out with high level free agents this off season.In fact ,with the exception of upgrading their interior pass blocking with Rodney Hudson they have not even landed a decent name in free agency and dropped out on Demarco Murray as soon as the heard his demands. Tevin Colemn isn't as big a name as Gurley or Gordon yet, but  the raiders would have to trade up for either, and GM Reggie Mckenzie probably wants to keep all his picks.Coleman is a complete back , who can not only be a long term upgrade over Murray at a much cheaper cap number, but also a player that can give them the home run threat in the backfield they currently lack.  Coleman had only 452 carries in college, just 270 last season, and only 25 catches in the passing game. Murray had 487 touches between the the regular season & playoffs last season alone. So Coleman not only has less miles on his tires than all the other top backs in this draft, compared to Murray he is practically unblemished. Unlike Murray before his contract year, and I doubt that's a coincidence that he was suddenly an iron man while trying to get a big money deal after years of being so injury prone, Coleman played with a broken toe the second half of the year and kicked ass like he was wearing butt seeking boots. He finally had his pro day in mid April, and despite not being fully healthy ,and unable to do the whole combine type workout, he still ran a 4.39 forty. That's already faster that any RB ran at the combine, while not being fully healthy. Tevin can also return kicks , and that burst will be readily apparent when he does.Personally I have a mid first round grade on Coleman, and think this would be one of the steals of the entire draft.




36.JACKSONVILLE - ERIC ROWE - S/CB - UTAH
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - ANTREL ROLLE - GIANTS
Soon to be 30 year old journeyman free agent corner Alan Ball was the Jags best corner before his injury last year, and he signed elsewhere. With head coach Gus Bradley's Seattle background he wants tall physical press corners.Rowe was a safety until this season, and while he is built & plays the run like a safety , he was moved to corner last year. While his man cover technique isn't anything to right home about right now,  he stays with his man anyway. That versatility is likely to see him drafted a lot higher than most people are talking about in public right now. He is also a clean character guy who loves football. He could be the rams new free safety from day one. He is one those rare players I liked the more I watched of him. After a great combine I expect him to go in the first 50 picks, and could even slip into the late first round.





37.JETS - DARYL WILLIAMS - OT - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - WILLIE ANDERSON - retired
Not only is once stalwart left tackle D'brickashaw Ferguson slowing down, but 2014 free agent signing right tackle  Brent Giacomini is nothing special either. Neither has that maulers attitude Todd Bowles will want in his power running gameThis could be a little high for him, but plug and play tackles go fast on draft day, even right tackles.  Williams is a angry wide body with long arms, big strong hands, and is hard to get around. A 3 year starter in college that I believe will be a starter early on in the NFL at RT ,or guard.With a little bit better conditioning and tweaks to his technique I think he could be a 10 year stud as a starting right tackle. 




***TRADE*** BALTIMORE trades their 2nd round pick (#58) 3rd(#90) 4th (#122) in this draft for the REDSKINS 2nd round pick(#38) in this draft***




38.RAVENS - (washington) - DEVIN SMITH - WR - OHIO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MIKE QUICK - retired
Nobody works the draft like Newsome. From trading up to get a player he covets, down to acquire more value & picks, and veteran that he longer feels are worth their salary, he is the master of the system. Add in the way he works the compensatory pick system in free agency , and the Ravens are usually flush with picks. In this off season he has already gotten 4th & 5th rounders in the Haloti Ngata trade, and a 4th & two fifths in compensatory picks from free agency. With the loss of Pernell Mcphee and Torrey Smith in free agency they might get even higher picks next year. With 11 picks in the draft Ozzie has the ammo he needs to go up and get players he covets. Devin would replace Torrey as a deep threat , and that's a good thing because he has far better hands than him. He is also one of the best special teams coverage guys in college football. Having Steve Smith as a mentor to expand his route tree can only help him as well. 






39.CHICAGO - SHAQ THOMPSON - OLB/SS/RB - WASHINGTON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - THOMAS DAVIS - CAROLINA

Even after drafting Kyle Fuller in the first round last year, and signing both Alan Ball & Antrel Rolle the bears still need a upgrade at strong safety & nickle linebacker. Thompson can upgrade both positions. Shaq is a play-maker at any position he plays, even running back, and he scored 4 TD's on defense last year alone. Thomspon can play safety on run downs and move to the weak-side LB position when the skins go to nickle.







40.NYG - ** OWAMAGBE ODIGHIZUWA - DE - UCLA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - EVERSON GRIFFEN - MINNESOTA
The giants only have JPP on a 1 year deal due to the franchise tag, and newly added Kenrick Ellis is also on a one year deal. Combined with GM Jerry Reese's trend of taking the best player available makes this pick likely if Diggy is there when the giants are up. Diggy, as he's called by UCLA fans( like me) is a raw physically gifted player who has all the tools, and a great motor, but inconsistent tape. Versatile and moved around a lot, but I think his best position is a 4-3 strong-side end. Medical Red flags because of past surgery on each hip should keep him out off the 1rst round. If he goes to a team with good coaching , stays healthy, and he gets to be a 4-3 strong side end , I see an early productive starter.






41.RAMS - QUINTEN ROLLINS - CB/S - MIAMI OF OHIO
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - STEPHON GILMORE - BUFF
There are very few needs on this defense, but they could use an upgrade at both safety and corner .Both TJ Mcdonald and Mark Barron are better as in the box safeties, and last years free safety Rodney McLeod is a an unsigned free agent.  Rollins is a former basketball player who had a great season after returning to football after a 4 year layoff, and his stock will only go up after constant progress at the senior bowl. He is a heady player with good instincts & rarely falls for double moves. Great ball skills & timing on his jumps. Very physical and tackles like a safety. After the combine showed his lack speed his best fit is probably as a cover 2 corner, or safety, He could start at safety for the rams as soon as he mkes the adjustment, but still help out at corner right away.






42.ATLANTA - (seattle) - MAXX WILLIAMS - TE- MINNESOTA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - HEATH MILLER - PITTSBURGH
Future HOFer Tony Gonzalez was sorely missed last season. While Levine Toilolo looks like an extra offensive the tackle, he definitely doesn't block like one, and he lacks the suddenness to separate well. Right now he is just a big shorty yardage and goal line target. Underrated veteran Bear Pascoe is a good blocker , and solid all around player, but it's obvious by how little they used him that the Falcons don't see him as a starter. Williams is the clear cut # 1 TE in this draft . On the bright side Williams is more than just a good receiving TE. Williams has the potential blocking skills of a true inline Y tight end, and this ability to help protect Matt Ryan & company improve the running game actually makes Max a large  upgrade at the position. While he is never going to be the deep threat down the seam Gonzalez was , he looks faster on film than he was at the combine.. and he has his own highlight reel of big plays.






43.CLEVELAND - CARL DAVIS - DT - IOWA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON MUHAMMAD WILKERSON - JETS
Neither 2015 free agent Ahyta Rubin(signed with Seattle) or Phil Taylor held it down inside for the Browns last year . With Taylor spending his rare uninjured (knee)time at end , and his 2015 salary close to 5 and half million dollars in 2015 it's a safe bet that the browns will be looking for D-line help this off season. Davis continued to impress at the Senior bowl after a dominating end to the season, but if he plsed thsat well all year he would have gone in the top 15. Drafting someone who can play all the interior down lineman spots in both defenses like Davis makes a lot of sense as well. He is strong as a bull and has the length teams covet. He also showed off surprising quickness at both the senior bowl and combine.  






44.SAINTS - AJ CANN - G/C - S.CAROLINA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - KEVIN ZEITLER - CINC
With the once great Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs in decline and both having hefty cap numbers , the cash strapped saints need to think about the future at guard. Grubbs was traded for a 5th round pick, so at least one replacement is needed right now.  Cann is a big smart 4 years SEC starter that is the best pure guard in this draft. He can be a plug & play guard that can help keep the pocket from collapsing on the vertically challenged Drew Brees.






45.VIKINGS - JAELEN STRONG - WR - ARIZONA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ALSHON JEFFERY - CHICAGO
Cordarelle Patterson is a great athlete and weapon, but polished #1 receiver he is not, and probably never will be . Greg Jennings has fallen off a tick and is now more of a polished # 2 receiver, but he was paid like a #1. The vikings cut him ,but also traded for Mike Wallace. While Wallace is a big play threat, he lacks the route running skills & sure handedness of a number one receiver. Strong is a large high point & back shoulder catch specialist, and while he doesn't play as fast as he ran at the combine, that time will probably see him over drafted. He has trouble separating from the better DB's at the line of scrimmage he has faced on tape.However, if you put him in the slot, throw it up high , or to his back a shoulder he is likely to find a way come down with it. Teddy Bridgewater played with a player that can make similar catches in college in Devante Parker. Teddy has the accuracy and timing to get him the ball where he needs it to be effective while he works on his route running. Hopefully the Vikings coaches can help teach Strong how to separate better, and to use his big body more to shield defenders. A wrist injury could see Strong falling this farther than this in the draft , but he claims he won't need surgery, despite other public reports to the contrary. Strong still has the potential to be a number one receiver if he is used right, and learns how to beat the jam outside at the line of scrimmage. So I doubt he falls any farther than the middle of the first round.





46.SAN FRANCISCO - STEPHONE ANTHONY - LB-CLEMSON
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - BRUCE CARTER - DALLAS
With the unexpected retirements of both Patrick Willis & Chris Borland, and the questions about Navarro Bowman's availability he giants need an ILB. While Anthony is not as polished as Denzell Perryman right now, Anthony's upside and movement skills lead me to believe they would take him over Perryman here to fill their need.





47.MIAMI - BRESHAD PERRIMAN - WR - UCF
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - BRAYLON EDWARDS - retired
Adding Jordan Cameron and Kenny Stills is basically a wash for Charles Clay and Mike Wallace. However, another WR is still needed. Perriman can stretch the field and has his own highlight reel full of great catches . He can give the Dolphins a big play threat on the outside and maybe playing with a polished route runner & sure handed player like Jarvis Landry will run off on him. Perriman isn't a finished product yet, but he does have #1 receiver potential. Personally I am not enamored with Perriman's hand's either, but they looked much better at his pro day. His sub 4.3 forty at 6"2" and 210 pounds could see him drafted even higher. 




48.SAN DIEGO - #** JAY AJAYI - RB - BOISE ST
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RYAN MATHEWS - PHILADELPHIA
With Ryan Mathews leaving in free agency and Ronnie Brown still unsigned the chargers RB core currently consist of Brandon Oliver, Danny Woodhead, and Donald Brown. They all have their strengths and uses, but none is a feature back. The chargers are one of the teams that might take Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon in the first round, but they passed on both in this scenario. Ajayi is a big power power back with surprisingly nimble feet and good moves for his size. He can excel in any offense , and a year of sharing carries should help his body to recover from 2 straight years of a heavy workload.




49.CHIEFS - PHILLIP DORSETT - WR - MIAMI
NFL COMP -TY HILTON - INDIANAPOLIS 
The chiefs did not have a single touchdown thrown to a wide receiver this year.Their ultra conservative check-down passing game limits their chances of being a contender. Dwayne Bowe was the # 1 receiver on this team and his best skill is his blocking. I expected them to address the need in free agency , and they already added Jeremy Maclin. They need another receiver, and while they are a team that might consider Dorial Green-Beckham, in this scenario I think they will instead go with a cleaner player. Dorsett has blazing speed, separates, and improved  both his hands & route running last season. After a good senior bowl week and combine some thought he might go in the first round, but with Al Davis gone that's unlikely. He wasn't used enough at the U, but in KC he would play a role similar to the one DeSean Jackson played in Philly for coach Andy Reid.With Dorsett in the slot as a safety valve for Alex Smith , there could be a lot of huge plays that could open up the entire offense.






50.BILLS - LAKEN TOMLINSON - G - DUKE
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - LARRY WORFORD - DETROIT
Not one guard on the Bills roster played well last year. Veteran Kraig Urbik even took a pay cut to stay,  and while both 2014 rookies Cyrus Kouandjio and Cyril Richardson have talent, the best you can probably hope is that one of them earns a starting job this year. That still leaves an upgrade over the under-performing Urbik. Tomlinson is big smart mauler that fits this offense, and can play guard in the power system Rex Ryan wants to run.





51.TEXANS - DENZELL PERRYMAN - ILB - MIA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - LONDON FLETCHER - retired
With Brian Cushing being injury prone, and not the same player since he got popped for PED's, an upgrade is needed. Perryman is the tough inside stud this defense lacks. He can QB the defense, and is a hard nosed tackling machine that can set the tone for his teammates.  This move could also allow them to convert Cushing to a rush OLB, where he is less likely to get hurt, and can take advantage of his pass rushing skills more often. 





52.EAGLES - #DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM - WR - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - RANDY MOSS - retired
After Jeremy Maclin signed with the chiefs they are left with Jordan Matthews ,Riley Cooper, and Josh Huff at WR.  Matthews has the makings of a # 1 receiver and had a good rookie year. Cooper is more like a solid number 3 or 4 receiever, who's best skill is blocking, 3rd round pick Josh Huff didn't have as good of a rookie year as Matthews, despite coming out of Kelly's Oregon system. While I expected Huff to double as a slot receiver & deep threat, he did neither well this year, and had some crucial drops. While DBG won't even be on some teams boards due to off the field concerns, Chip Kelly's nickname is " Big Balls" for a reason. The huge & athletic Green-Beckham is always open if you just throw it up high enough, and he can be that deep threat Kelly wants, while also having the size to give them another punishing down field blocker that is crucial to Kelly's scheme . 





53.BENGALS - PRESTON SMITH - DT/DE - DET - MISSISSIPPI ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JASON HATCHER - WASHINGTON
The Bengals need an edge rusher , and while they at least brought Michael Johnson back after his disappointing year in Tampa Bay, it's not a sure thing he will be as productive as he was in a contract year. With Margus Hunt also failing to develop despite awesome talent, Geno Atkins not looking like the same player post injury, and Devon still not living up to his draft slot either, a guy who can play both inside and outside would really help the whole D-line.Smith played all over the D-line this season, and plays with more power than his lanky frame would suggest. He was even productive when they moved him over the center the same way UCLA used Datone Jones a senior. Right now he looks best as a 4-3 base who can slide to the 3 technique on obvious passing downs, but with another 15-20 pounds of muscle he could probably be an excellent 5 technique if they go to a 3-4 in the future.  He's a steal this late in the draft. 




54.LIONS - ** JORDAN PHILLIPS - DT - OKLAHOMA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ALBERT HAYNESWORTH - retired
After giving up 4th & 5th round picks for Haloti Ngata the lions still have a lot of needs, and this trade also allows them to get a player they were likely already considering at #23 without reaching for him. Nick Fairley has shown at times that he is a pro bowl caliber talent, but he has lacked the consistent work ethic for the Lions to trust him with a big contract. They declined his 2015 option and he surprisingly signed with the rams.Since they needed to pay Suh they probably couldn't afford him anyway. However, Suh is now a dolphin and while there is little chance of finding a player as good in the draft, adding a proven leader like Ngata is still a good move. While Ngata is past his prime , he is still a force inside who can help with the rumored move to a 3-4 defense. Phillips is a giants of a man with incredible athleticism for his size. In fact he can also play both the NT &  5 technique positions . The only reason he falls this far is he had a serious back injury that caused him to miss the 2013 season. Otherwise he is a first round pick.His back sure seemed fine this year judging by how well he played on tape.





55.CARDINALS - STEELERS - MAX VALLES - OLB/DE - VA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - MATHIAS KIWANUKA - FA
The probable retirement of John Abraham after another concussion has only exacerbated their need at OLB. . He would still be a definite upgrade outside over what they have, and with some time in a NFL weight room he could be a beast long term. He has the measurables ,and all the tools you could need ,especially a quick 1rst step. He is just raw and needs to develop them.




56.STEELERS - ALEX CARTER-CB-STANFORD
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - GLOVER QUIN - DET
Long tome stalwart corner Ike Taylor will be a free agent again after this year, and while he hasn't played great he has been  a lot better than Cortez Allen.The problem is they just gave Allen a new free agent contract last year, and they can't afford to cut him. Also, future HOFer Troy Polamalu just retired. So they need a cheap infusion of corner & safety talent.  Carter has safety size , but plays corner right now. He is a solid & steady player who lacks elite athleticism, but he played well in both man and zone in college. The Steelers have needs at both positions, and will probably be playing more cover 2 with Dick Lebeau gone, and Mike Tomlin taking a larger hand in the defense.




57.PANTHERS - NELSON AGHOLOR - WR - USC
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - GREG JENNINGS - MINNESOTA
The Panthers drafted big bodied Kelvin Benjamin last year, but his lack of route running prowess and tendency for drops were overlooked ,because he out up good overall numbers. Jericho Cotchery excells at both so there is hope he will rub off on Benjamin. Even if he did the Panther still need another receive, but this one needs to have more speed, and Ted Ginn isn't gonna cut it as a starting wide receiver. Azgalor can play inside & out, and fill that role.





58.REDSKINS - (ravens) - RONALD DARBY - CB - FLORIDA ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - JOHNATHAN JOSEPH - HOUSTON
While Bashaud Breeland played well as a rookie and they igned Chris Culliver in the off-season they still need another corner. David Amerson has been a disappointment and Deangelo Hall has aged enough that a move to safety could be in he offing. Williams is big polished corner who can be along term starter if he can stay out of trouble off the field. 
Darby is an elite fluid athlete with the skill to be one of the leagues best cover corners early on,If he can learn to play with more discipline,and work on his tackling techniques. This former track star also has the makeup speed few corners have, but the more I watched him, the more I realized he is still a better athlete than football player right now. This tradr helps both teams. It allows GM Scott Mcglouhan to gather more ammo to replenish his roster through the draft, and still get a player they need in the second round. 






59.BRONCOS - GARRET GRAYSON - QB - COLORADO ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON  - NFL COMP-KURT WARNER-retired
No one , and I include Peyton himself, really knows if Manning will play after this year. If they win , or he gets hurt again, I personally think it highly likely that he retires after this season. Either way the Broncos need to protect themselves, because backup Brock Osweiler has not done well enough to lock down a QB of the future tag. Grayson plays down the road at Colorado state, and his skill set fits the Denver offense. I have him as my number 3 QB , and while I have a late 3rd round grade on him , quarterbacks always go earlier than they should.




60.DALLAS - D'JOUN SMITH - CB - FLORIDA ATLANTIC
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - ALTERRAUN VERNER - TB
Between Brandon Carr's bad play & too high salary, Sterling Moore's defection to Tampa Bay, and Morris Claiborne's injuries & confidence issues Dallas is woefully undermanned at the corner position. In fact only Orlando Scandrick and maybe Tyler Patmon are probably going to be on the roster, While Scandrick is a stud, and one of the leagues more underrated corners, Patmon hasn't shown much more than a 4th corner so far. In fact , after the resigning of Rolando McClain CB is probably their biggest need, and I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted 2 corners in the first 3 rounds. Smith is a prototype cover 2 corner. He's ultra tough, has good feet & hips, and fills hard against the run.Drafting him will also allow the cowboys to try force Carr to take a much deserved pay cut , or be released when most teams are out of cap room,  or already pretty comfortable with the rosters they already have,






61.COLTS - BERNARDRICK McKINNEY - ILB - MISSISSIPPI ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - DONT'A HIGHTOWER - NEW ENGLAND
Watching Legarette Blount run through tackles had to leave a big a big impression on the Colts entire organization.  While current inside LB's D'qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman lack the take on skills that are needed inside ,Mckinney is a thumper.  He can take on a guard in the hole , stack him up, shed his block, and knock the RB backwards. That kind of physical play can change the whole attitude of a defense. He needs to improve in coverage, but I think he can hold up there with some coaching, especially in zone. As a 6 foot 4 linebacker with long arms could really obscure passing lanes. In a 3-4 he could have less coverage responsibilities, and you could just send him after the QB on passing downs, as I sometimes feel that playing as an edge rusher might be his best pro position. While I wouldn't take him quite this high I expect someone will based on his measurables, upside, and combine.  It's even possible he could go in the first round, and I think the Colts would be happy if he was here this late. 



62.PACKERS - STEVE NELSON - CB/S - OREGON ST
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CORTLAND FINNEGAN - retired
The packers have lost both Tramon Williams and Davon House in free agency and have yet to replace either.  Competitive harassing cover 2 corner who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Always talking , but unlike most corners he uses it to his advantage. Gets into receivers heads and throws them off their game. Not a fit in a man scheme yet, even though he loves to press, because he gets too grabby when forced to play man right now. Core special teamer. Plays the run like a safety , great  tackler, and won't back down from anyone nearing down on him. Can also be a core special teamer.






63.SEATTLE - DONOVAN SMITH - OT - PENN ST.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - CORDY GLENN - BUFFALO
The Seahawks need to improve their overall O-line almost across the board. Their only 2 above average lineman recently have been Max Unger and Russell Okung. Both are injury prone, and Unger was dealt to the saints for Jimmy Graham. Smith could play right tackle, and allow Justin Britt to move inside where he won't be such a liability as a pass blocker. 





64.PATRIOTS - AMEER ABDULLAH - RB - NEBRASKA
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON - WARRICK DUNN - retired
The patriots lost both Shane Vereen and Steven Ridley in free agency this off season. While Legarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden can handle Ridley's duties, someone versatile to take over Vereen's role in the offense is needed. While some think Abdullah can't be an every down back in the NFL I disagree, although I doubt Belichick would use him that way. In the Patriots offense he would take over Vereen's role, be a core special teamer, and a great locker room guy. Belichick loves smart ,high character , versatile players. Ameer is all of that.

2 comments:

  1. If Scherff gone at #10 try to trade down (49ers need a LB eg Ray, Gregory.). 49's give up pk 79 and swap their 4 rd pk for Rams 4 rd pick...pk111 for 119)). Take Lael Collins at #15 to play RT. At #41 pick a fringe #1 WR (Agholor or Coates) at #71 Tres Jackson at RG. At #79 a CB eg Grant, Carter. Remaing picks BPA.

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    1. That's one possibility, and I can see why you might try it.However, do you think Collins will get to you at 15 is my question?Personally I would worry about that if I was at #15. The vikings need both tackles and guards, and he would be an upgrade over anyone they currently have at either position. Then you have to worry if he would get past the saints at #13? He's a hometown guy and would be a perfect guard for their system. Then you have the dolphins who also have O-line needs. However, if you like a different tackle at 15 then it might be a good idea.As for the rest I love Agholor, and think he would be a great pick there as well. Don't like Coates at all though. He lazy in his routes, and it tips off defenders when he's not getting the ball. Most importantly he has bad hands in my opinion. I agree with the Jackson pick as well, and think Carter would be great at #79 if he fell to you. Good talking to you, and good luck with your draft.

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